With just days to go until the Sony Open and the delayed kick-off of the season, I’m excited to share a list of players I believe will have successful years ahead.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the DP World Tour equivalent, which thankfully skipped over the recent LIV Golf exits.
Creating this list was quite a challenge, and I suspect it doesn’t include any LIV Golf names.
Ready to Win
Michael Thorbjornsen
There’s noticeable frustration within the betting community regarding this rising star, which I find a bit odd. Thorbjornsen turned pro 18 months ago, competing in 36 events and achieving eight top-10 finishes, including two runner-up spots.
I liken him to Angel Ayora from the DP World Tour, as both are clear future stars. Yet, Ayora has not faced similar scrutiny. Interestingly, he also played 36 events since his time on the HotelPlanner Tour, ending with 11 top-10 finishes but with a best of fifth. Thorbjornsen, however, shines at a higher level with his second-place finish.
As a Stanford alum, keep an eye on him at the Farmers, where he struggled last year. Other events like the Phoenix Open and Mexico Open could present great opportunities before he returns to familiar venues. By July, he may even be eyeing the Presidents Cup—he’s that talented.
Bud Cauley
Can golfers who have faced significant injuries reach their peak? Occasionally, as seen with Patrick Cantlay, but often they cannot. Bud Cauley’s path has been rocky, nearly ending his career due to a serious car accident and its aftermath. After long recovery periods, he’s ready to return.
His best results have come predominantly in the southern states, where he feels most comfortable. Last spring, Cauley secured four top-10 finishes in Florida and Texas, and as he finds his footing, we can expect him to compete effectively in 2026.
Up-and-Coming
Mac Meissner
A former Walker Cup player, Meissner has steadily built his professional career, displaying strong iron play. He secured his 2026 status while chasing Cameron Young at the Wyndham Championship and showed consistent performance through late July to November.
Despite a need for improvement in his driving, he averaged impressive strokes gained in the latter part of the season. If he maintains his progress, he could easily contend for smaller titles this year.
Pierceson Coody
Renowned for his astounding driving ability, Coody statistically led the PGA Tour in this category last season. A talented player, he has a solid history on the Korn Ferry Tour and is ready for a major tour breakthrough.
Though there were challenges with his putting, his recent performances suggest he is back on track. If he continues this upward trend, he’s poised for a significant rise this year.
International Talents
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
Neergaard-Petersen has shown immense potential, recently capturing the Australian Open after a stellar performance at the season’s end. With strong amateur credentials and determined grit, he’s poised to face the challenges of the PGA Tour.
Although the path may be tough without access to significant events, this world-class striker should find ways to compete effectively against top-tier talents.
Max Homa
After reuniting with his former coach, Homa has shown remarkable improvement and is preparing to shine again. His dramatic turnaround in performance statistics from 2025 highlights this. With several invite opportunities in California, we’ll soon see where his game stands.
Keegan Bradley
Turning 40 just before the US Open, Bradley is ready for a significant year following his Ryder Cup captaincy. Returning to the competitiveness he has shown in the past, he has all the skills to contend for his second major title.
